9 Best Flat Irons for 2015

Don't get us wrong -- we love our curls. Learning to embrace your hair's natural texture is a valuable thing, and we encourage you to let your kinky-curly flag fly. But sometimes, a girl's just got to go sleek. After all, a streamlined hairstyle equals a streamlined life, doesn't it?

That's up for debate. But there is a certain je ne sais quoi to the feeling of shiny, bone-straight hair -- somehow, it can make you feel like a flower child, a centerfold and a power player all at once. And who are we to deny you that?

There is one catch, though: In order to achieve that enviable, frizz-free look, we insist you use a good flat iron. High-quality straighteners work faster, make hair smoother and cause less damage than lower-quality tools. If healthy, salon-quality straight hair is what you're after, look no further. Keep reading to discover the 9 top-notch flat irons our TotalBeauty.com readers dig most.

Why it's great: Those looking for a "quality straightener on a budget" have stumbled on a gold mine. TotalBeauty.com reviewers say that the wide plates on this affordable flat iron "take less time to straighten thick hair;" plus, the tool features a digital temperature reading so you know exactly how much heat you're dealing with. "And this thing gets hot fast!" writes one reader.

Users caution that this straightener is on the heavy side, which can make your arm get tired as you work. But overall, they consent that this tool works as well as a high-end brand "at a fraction of the price."

Why it's great: Whether your hair is "thick, curly, nappy, straight, damaged or short," this straightener does the job, readers attest. "I've gone through so many flat irons, and none of them compare to this," boasts one reviewer.

Even the pros agree that this straightener makes hair soft, silky and smooth. "I use this flat iron everyday on myself and all my clients!" one stylist writes. "Just one pass through your hair and your ready to go!" Though some readers take issue with the price, most promise that for the results, it's "worth every penny."

In addition to the easy action and premium results, reviewers appreciate how this flat iron allows you to adjust the temperature setting, according to how much heat you need. Ultimately, the tool may be a bit pricy, but most readers don't hesitate to recommend the splurge.

Why it's great: "I have superfrizzy hair," writes one reviewer, "I used to buy cheapo store brand flat irons, but they never got hot enough to straighten my hair. This iron gets really, really hot!" Readers are collectively impressed by the flawless results they get from this Sedu 1-inch iron, and they appreciate how you can adjust the temperature to your liking,

Reviewers also found that this tool is built to last. "I've had my Sedu for over a year and a half, and it's still as good as the day I got it," boasts one reviewer. At an $80 price point, most readers find this product a worthwhile investment.

Why it's great: "I can't believe how silky my hair feels after using this flat iron," dishes one satisfied reviewer. "It works quickly and effectively and results last all day. My hair actually feels healthier after using it!" Readers say this tool is "amazing" at transforming frizz into sleek, shiny hair in 10 minutes or less. They also find that it's quick to heat up (one reader clocked 30 seconds) and that it works like new for an average of two years after the initial $136 purchase -- which, if you do the math, equals about 19 cents per day. Doesn't seem so pricey when you put it that way, does it?

Why it's great: With over 70 positive reviews, there's no denying that readers universally adore this classic flat iron. "I have been using the same Chi since I was 13," writes one reader. "Now I'm 19, and mine is still going strong!" Readers describe this tool as "a miracle worker" for its ability to replace even the most untamable curls with hair that looks effortlessly sleek and shiny. Reviewers recommend using a heat protectant before straightening, since the iron gets "extremely hot." But when used correctly, the tool easily "glides over sections of hair," producing non-damaging, superstraight results.

Why it's great: Readers dig the design and function of this adorable pink flat iron as much as they appreciate contributing to a good cause. (A portion of each sale goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.)

"I have never been fond of smaller, one-inch straighteners," one reader confesses. "They usually would leave my fine hair without shape or body. But not this one! It straightens perfectly and super[quickly]." Coming in at less than $35, this buy is a no-brainer.

Why it's great: Many of our readers call this the "best flat iron on the market." From the impressive speed at which it heats up to how quickly it turns wild curls into pin-straight hair, average readers and professional stylists alike find this product a serious time saver.

"It's amazing how lightweight it is," one reviewer adds. Other users appreciate how versatile the tool is, in that you can use it either to create a sleek, straight look or perfect shiny waves.

Why it's great: "I've had many different straighteners, including some that cost three times as much, and this one is my favorite," writes one reader of her Remington Frizz Therapy Iron. Rated a near-perfect 9.9, readers love that this straightener heats up quickly (one reader counted 30 seconds) and glides through thick curls like air -- not to mention "it truly makes hair less frizzy and improves the appearance of frayed ends."

Readers also love the product's convenient features. "The swivel cord is awesome and my favorite feature is that you can lock the buttons so the temperature doesn't change on you," one reviewer reports. "It works great and I only have to use it every other day." All in all, readers recommend doing both your hair and your wallet a favor, and opting for this gold medal-winning Remington select.

Although there are some great flat irons listed I was shocked that several were missing. Remington? I could list like 5 right off the top of my head that I would say beat a few of the flat irons on this list that cost much more. For low to mid price they are a steal. HSI? This is a amazing flat iron for about 50 bucks. I used mine a great deal favoring it over several pricey Chi models. Without question the absolute best flat iron I have used is the Hana Professional. It totally eliminates frizz and leaves any hair silky smooth and shiny. I have not seen anything that comes close. Believe they hype, it's all true.